Training in cultural policy and management: international ... - Encatc

Profiles: United Kingdom
SWU - South West Arts
Education and Training Unit
Bradninch Place, Gandy Street
Exeter EX4 3LS
United Kingdom
Director: Nick Capaldi (the Chief Executive), Katie Venner (Director of Education and Training)
Phone: +44 1392 218188
Fax: +44 1392 229229
Background, orientation and purpose
South West Arts is one of 10 regional arts board in England which distribute grants and funds for arts
activity. In 1999, the organisation re-organised to include a new unit specifically for Education and
Training, Professional Development for all artists in all art forms as well as arts practitioners living and
working in the South West of England.
South West Arts is currently working with partner arts organisations in the South West and nationally
on the project, ”CreativePeople”, which is funded by the Arts Council of England. This will developa national service of information and guidance for artists and practitioners seeking help with their career
development. South West Arts’ other role is as advocate for the arts both regionally and nationally,
and as such much work goes on in raising the profile of the arts sector with other agencies. In the
training sector this includes advocacy for arts training with local Learning and Skills Councils, the
Regional Development Agency, the Government Office. South West Arts also works with its regularly
funded organisations to help them to develop good Training Policy and Action Plans for their staff.
Programme(s) and qualification(s)
South West Arts does not itself run training programmes, although it does from time to time work in
association with regional partners to develop training in response to need. Such programmes have
recently included Training for Arts Companies in Cornwall, Health and Safety and Risk Assessment
training for venues, based in Devon, help with the development of accredited courses and with NVQ
placements and funding.
Such courses as South West Arts helps to develop will vary according to local needs. The development
of timely and affordable training has been encouraged only where there is a gap in provision.
International/European dimension
The institution is a member of ENCATC.
Lecturers
There are no teaching personnel at South West Arts.
Grants or other financial support
South West Arts has several funds and two of these may apply to those seeking funding for training.
The first and main one is the Training and Development Bursary.
This is available to students living in South West England, who are artists (in any art form) and
practitioners. Small grants are available and this is a rolling fund (applications can be made at any
time, but six weeks minimum is required to process the application). Also available is the Awards for
Artists Fund, with a special ’Kicking Off’ level for those with less experience who are building their art
form practice. This fund has a deadline each year.
As well as funding, South West Arts acts as an arts development agency. A range of grants is available
for both organisations and individuals, including bursaries for professional development opportunities.
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